Protect Your Home from Freezing Pipes This Winter

Freezing temperatures during winter months increase the risk of pipes bursting. Here are some preventative measures to protect your home:

Preventative Steps:

• Insulate Exposed Pipes and Faucets: Wrap pipes that are exposed or run through exterior walls, attics, unheated garages, or crawl spaces. Use insulating material or foam pipe sleeves, covering all valves and joints. Ensure outdoor sprinklers are off, and wrap or insulate outdoor spigots. Supplies are available at local hardware stores.

• Eliminate Drafts: Seal crawl space vents and foundation openings. Repair cracked windows, and ensure all doors and windows close tightly. Weather-proofing techniques that reduce heating bills, like caulking around door/window frames and pipe entry points, also prevent pipes from freezing.

• Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve: Most homes have a master valve, typically located near where the main water line enters the house (often in a valve box). This allows you to turn off all water to your home in case of a pipe break. Show all family members its location.

  • Important Note: The valve in the water meter box near your property line belongs to the City and should only be operated by City personnel or a licensed plumber. Tampering with this valve is against City ordinance. For emergencies where you cannot shut off your water, contact 972-551-6600 select option #2 during business hours or after-hours 469-474-2700.

• Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: This prevents water from freezing and bursting the outdoor faucet or its supply pipe. Drain and coil hoses before storing them for warmer weather.

• Turn Off Automatic Sprinkler Systems: In freezing temperatures, turn off your irrigation controller or ensure your system has a functioning rain and freeze sensor. Draining irrigation lines is generally not necessary in North Texas.

• Open Cabinet Doors Below Sinks: If a sink is on an exterior wall, opening the cabinet doors allows warm air to reach the pipes.

• Allow Water to Trickle: Let a small stream of water (about the size of a pencil lead) run from each faucet, including bathtubs and showers, especially if pipes are in exterior walls or under a slab. This keeps water moving and prevents freezing.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes:

• Thaw the Pipe:

  • Exposed Pipes: If you can locate the freeze and the pipe is exposed, use a hair dryer on a low setting, waving the warm air back and forth until water flows. Never use a torch or open flame.

  • Unexposed Pipes: If the pipe is not exposed, shut off the main water valve and place a portable heater where the pipes enter the house. This will warm all pipes over time. Do not leave the space heater unattended.

• If a Pipe Leaks or Breaks: A frozen pipe has a high chance of breaking or leaking.

  • Immediately shut off the water at the master shut-off valve to prevent flooding and damage.

  • Unless you are an experienced DIYer, contact a plumber for repairs.

  • If pipes break, after shutting off the water, also turn off the heating source to your water heater. Again, a licensed plumber may be needed.